Champion gig at Conti

There’s something to be said for hitting the ground running, says Danny Wilson, who brings his band Danny & The Champions of the World to Preston’s Continental next Friday night, 19th June.

Wilson and co. spent much of 2014 on the road, playing shows all over the world, the kind of legendary, life-affirming rock and soul revues (with country fringing) that have earned them a global following, and which they committed to wax on last year’s glorious concert album, Live Champs!

The momentum accrued on the road carried them straight into the studio, and the music they cut – latest album What Kind Of Love – is arguably the band’s best so far.

The songs are rich, joyful and moving, with hints of Stax, Van Morrison, Dexys and Springsteen.

There’s more at play in these songs than the simple boy-meets-girl glibness of too much rock and pop lyricism, a maturity and sophistication that may surprise even longtime fans.

“It’s about ups and downs,” says Wilson, of the album’s emotional spectrum. “Life can be glorious, it can also be a strain. I’m 42, and even though I’m a happy guy, I know life’s not just a laugh.”

Life can be glorious, it can also be a strain. I’m 42, and even though I’m a happy guy, I know life’s not just a laugh

Danny Wilson

Doors open for Danny and the Champions of the World plus support The Goat Roper Rodeo Band at 8pm on Friday June 19.

Tickets are £10 advance (£12 on the door) and are available online now from SEE Tickets, Skiddle & WeGotTickets.